“Iron Man” is not only well executed, it has an interesting premise.

John Stark engineers weapons. But upon learning from first-hand experience that some of those weapons are ending up in enemy hands, he dedicates himself to correcting the situation.

Here is a man who has lived the high life, womanizing, gambling, partying with no thought to expense and feeling pretty good about himself as a patriot arming the United States armed forces. And then he is captured by terrorists and discovers his weapons in their arsenal. It is a wake-up call, an epiphany.

Suddenly, he can no longer be the ignorant playboy who thinks up inventive new weapons but never thinks about where those weapons end up.

Of course, the person who is actually selling the weapons to the bad guys doesn’t like this new Stark.

But it is nice to have a “super hero” who is not so because of some supernatural power (like Superman or any of the X-Men) or because of a desire for retribution born of personal tragedy (Batman) or both (Spiderman). Stark did have a bad experience, and he does, like Batman, play the vigilante, but it isn’t because he wants retribution so much as redemption. He needs to right his wrongs.

And his “super powers” are all the result of his own ingenuity (of course being a billionaire doesn’t hurt). But he doesn’t just buy his suit of armor: He makes it.

Advertisement

Add to an interesting premise an a top-notch cast: Robert Downey Jr. as Stark, Terrence Howard as Jim Rhodes, Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane and Gwyneth Paltrow as Stark’s assistant, Pepper Potts.

There is no sense that these actors are sleep-walking through the parts. Though it may be a comic book movie, they all seem to have invested in their roles. Somewhere along the way, and probably thanks to recent movies such as “Spiderman” and “Batman Begins,” movies made from comic books became respectable.

The heroes have become more flawed. And to believably portray these flawed characters, actors will real depth are needed. Just consider the difference between Christian Bale as Batman and Ben Affleck as Daredevil.

So here is Downey Jr., who is able to show Stark’s transformation from a flippant, carefree cad to a man serious and driven, giving little thought to his own safety, though retaining enough of his true nature to still be flippant.

Howard plays his part with all the reserve of a true man in uniform — though just beneath the surface a real friendship is detectable. He plays the part with a sort of brotherly affection, as if Stark is someone to watch over and to be indulgent with.

Bridges’ character is rather two dimensional, but that is somehow OK. He plays him so well that Stane manages to be nuanced even in his flatness. That Stane ends up being a bad guy comes as no surprise, yet it is hard not to feel badly for Stark when he realizes it.

As for Paltrow, it is admittedly odd to see her playing a side character, and a loyal assistant at that. Yet she does it with all her usual charm and elegance. And the dynamic between her and Downey Jr. fairly crackles. Potts’ attraction to Stark is nearly palpable, yet he is oblivious to this before his transformation.

As in all comic book movies, the special effects are key. How else could the fantastical imaginations of the likes of Stan Lee come to life so vividly and believably?

Transitions between computer generated images and real images are so seamless that virtually no thought is given to it, just enjoyment as the crisp and pleasing visuals.

Another great thing about the film is the humor. Though the topic of terrorism and under-the-table arms deals is rather serious, the film is lightened up with laugh-out-loud moments.

Particularly amusing is Stark’s “relationship” with his robots. He talks to them as if they are people, to humorous effect.

The weakest points about the film are the predictableness of the plot line and a bit of a rushed feel at the beginning.

All in all, director Jon Favreau has created an appealing film, drawing strong performances from the actors, managing a careful balance between drama and comedy, and tying it all together with strong visuals (though they must have made a deal with Audi because they are all over that movie).

I see a sequel or two in Downey Jr.’s future.

(4 stars out of 5.)

Amanda Brooks can be reached at 737-1056 or abrooks@lompocrecord.com.